April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
Early in production, Winchester designers eliminated the screw that sits at ten o'clock on the loading gate. Not only does this rifle have that rare, early design, but it is a probably first or second day of production rifle. This screw is a guide rail screw of the loading port; it is believed only the first 2,000 to 3,000 have this screw before being eliminated. Winchester began production of this model in October 1894. It is definitely amongst the lowest known recorded numbers for this gun. Features full octagon barrel, full magazine, German nickel front sight, semi-buckhorn rear sight, blued finish, walnut stocks, and rifle butt. Factory research shows serial number applied October 22nd, 1894, caliber .38-55, octagon barrel, and plain trigger; shipped from warehouse October 30th, 1894. CONDITION: Barrel and tube retain approximately 85% of an even mix of blue finish with soft patina coming through. Shard legends and edges. Frame is a mix of gunmetal grey and brown patina. Bolt is brown patina. Loading gate had 50% of the blue finish. Case colors on hammer and lever have darkened. Screw heads are fairly true with some minor scarring from tightening. Wood is very good to excellent, proud to metal, with just usual minor assorted handling marks but no cracks. Fine action. Strong, clean, well defined bore. A well used but well cared for early, three digit, antique Winchester Model 1894 rifle, one of the first off the assembly line of an all time classic.
Caliber/Bore
.38-55 Winchester